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Reflections of a Fulbright Scholar in Peru
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Peru's National Treasure, Machu Pichu

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For almost 4 months I lived in Lima, as a Fulbright   Scholar.  My host university was  UNIFE "Universidad Femenina de'l Sagrado Corazon" which has one of the finest teacher education programs in Peru. It is located in La Molina: a suburb of Lima, with a view of the Andes.
 

UNIFE  Library	UNIFE Computer Lab - Graduate Students taking course on Integrating Technology, that I helped develop with the Chair of Elementary Education

During my daughter's visit we took a bus trip south to see the ancient Nasca Lines which were in the desert. Click Here to learn about the mysterious lines. Nasca Lines South America for Visitors Web Site

I had many colleagues at the university who were scholars of the history, culture and music of Peru, and who took me on many week-end excursions to learn about their cultural treasures in, and around Lima.  Everyone I met who had been to Peru raved about their food, and no wonder.  It was delicious. Their food should be considered among their national treasure.

In my visits to the museums, I learned of their music, art and culture.  In the Indian Markets and in the small shops in alleys and narrow streets, I saw their crafts, and "artisans".  In the the churches, archaeological sites (huacas), and the architectural structures that have withstood the test of time I learned of their strong moral character, their respect for a common faith, their  strong family values, and resilience to adversity, and pride as a society.

Peruvian Cuisine The "Other" National Treasure . (Birthday Party  Menu For The Dean of the College of Education)  Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazon Pisco Sours Inca Kola: the Peruvian soft drink made from Hierba Luiza Sebiche (Raw fish cooked in lime juice and served with a sweet potato and chicha Arroz con mariscos - (similar to Paella) Torta;  Mate de Coca, Manzania o Café

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At "Pachamac Expedition"-with my Peruvian colleagues from UNIFE: Rosita Carrasco, Director of Research, Anita Adrisola, Chair of Special Education Program, and Amanda Veliz, Chair of Elementary Education Program

 Visit to Convento San Francisco, famous for its 16th C catecombs located in historic Lima.

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I lived at Independencia 106 in Miraflores..

Hostal El Patio, my first "home in Peru" located in the heart of Miraflores

International ESL Conference at the Fulbright Commission

 Their ability to preserver  Quechua, Aymara and the other ancient Lenguas Amazonas, and the  traditions which are expressed through the architecture, music, poetry, folk dances,  art, and textiles, reflects these peoples' passion for life, and the Inca resiliance and vibrance that is unmatched anywhere. Their ability to preserve these traditions and to integrate them into the Spanish culture, while maintining their unique identity is a wonder and fascination for anyone who visitis this rugged and beautiful country.

The four months which I spent in Lima were prehaps among the most politically exciting and challenging for Peruvians in some time.  Each day we learned through newspapers, the radio and TV of the corruption and fraud under the  dictatorship of Alberto Fujimori and his chief military advisor Vlademiro Montesions. The daily revelations brought changes in the government and spurred the democratization process forward.  In November, Valentin Paniaguas, an attorney and law professor at my university, assumed the role of transitional president after  Fujimori fled to Japan to seek asylem.  Paniaguas has run a peaceful transitional government.  In the June 3, 2001 elections they elected a new president from the party, "Peru Posible",  Alejandro Toledo, one of 10 children born in poverty,  "the shoe-shine boy" from the Ankesh region, who received a degree in economics from Stanford University.